OPP say three of their own are facing charges as part of an ongoing investigation into corrupt and illegal practices in the GTA towing industry.
Back in 2019, investigators say they were tipped off about several active-duty officers who were providing preferential treatment for certain tow operators.
An investigation was launched in October of that same year.
After what investigators describe as a “complex internal investigation,” three veteran officers were identified.
PC Simon Bridle, 53, and PC Mohammed (Ali) Hussain, 52, have been arrested and charged with secret commissions and breach of trust.
Hussain has 24 years of service under his belt and works out of the OPP Toronto Detachment.
Bridle, a 20-year veteran of the force, is also charged with obtaining sexual services for consideration. He works out of the Highway Safety Division’s 407 Detachment.
Both have been suspended with pay.
The third officer, PC Bindo Showan, 57, is currently outside of Ontario. Officers say an arrest warrant has been issued and Showan, who also works out of the 407 Detachment, will be suspended after returning to the province.
Another man who is not an officer, Sutheshkumar Sithambarpillay, 52, of Toronto, is also charged with aiding and abetting breach of trust and secret commissions.
In addition, OPP say four other officers, including two Commissioned Officers from the Highway Safety Division have been suspended with pay.
Their names have not been released and at this point they have not been charged criminally, though the investigation is ongoing. Should they end up charged, police say their names will be made public.
